Kiyomori’s Coup against Go-Shirakawa

Relations between Taira no Kiyomori and retired emperor Go-Shirakawa deteriorated during the 1170s. The Shishigatani affair of 1177 had already led to the punishment of courtiers accused of plotting against Kiyomori. In 1179, the deaths of Kiyomori’s daughter Moriko and son Shigemori were followed by disputes over holdings connected with their households. Control of inherited property added to the struggle over court influence.

In the eleventh month of 1179, Kiyomori brought an armed force into Kyoto. Go-Shirakawa was confined at the Toba residence, and numerous courtiers were removed from office. The regent, Fujiwara no Motofusa, lost his position; Fujiwara no Motomichi replaced him. The reshuffle gave Kiyomori’s allies greater control over appointments, while confinement curtailed Go-Shirakawa’s ability to conduct retired government.

Emperor Takakura remained on the throne. The coup worked through the existing imperial and ministerial structure, using troops to remove opponents and force changes within it. Takakura’s young son, Kiyomori’s grandson, became Emperor Antoku in 1180. That succession strengthened the Taira household’s relationship to the throne, but the coup’s immediate achievement was the restriction of Go-Shirakawa and the replacement of senior personnel.